March 7, 2016 (Jamul)—60 guests hoisted glasses last month to toast the grand opening of East County’s newest wine tasting room: Casi Cielo Winery, located at their historical adobe ranch house at Maness Vineyards atop a sunny hilltop in Jamul just off highway 94. It’s a dream that has been a long-time coming to fruition –a dream that began with two Italian immigrants back in the last century. As the afternoon sun bathes the adobe bricks and vineyards beyond in golden rays, it's not hard to see how Casi Cielo (Almost Heaven) got its name.

The winery offers a selection of hand-crafted wines made with 25% grapes grown at the estate and 75% grapes grown in San Diego County. With a motto “from juice to jelly,” Casi Cielo Farm & Vineyard also has a charming gift shop licensed under GregoArt.com featuring a new line of delicious vineyard jellies (served up over chocolate cheesecake—pure bliss) as well as colorful hand-crafted quilts by Kathy, vineyard lifestyle attire and more.

August 24, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – The newest growing wine region in our area is along historic Highway 94. A website has been set up at http://www.thewineriesonhighway94.com/ by growers and wine producers bringing their vision of a wine-region in the southeast county to fruition.

June 19, 2014 (El Cajon) – They pioneered East County’s now-flourishing wine industry. So on May 31st, Maness Vineyards presented the 2014 Trail Blazer Awards during a celebration held at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center in El Cajon—which also is home to a new vineyard of its own. More than 200 wine enthusiasts flocked to the event, savoring local vintages amid beautiful gardens.

Herman and Rose Salerno, founders of the Salerno Winery in Ramona, received the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award. Other award winners were the William Clark family, founders of the Campo Creek Winery, along with Mike and Linda McWilliams, owners of the San Pasqual Winery in La Mesa.

You're invited! Celebrate launch of our East County Magazine prime-time radio show on KNSJ! Join us Sunday, May 19 from 12-3 p.m. at the beautiful Maness Vineyards estate, 3044 Colina Verde Lane in Jamul. Winetasting, great food, music, amazing prizes and more!

May 12, 2012 (Spring Valley) -- Maness Vineyard is holding the 4th Annual Food and Wine Mixer June 2 at historical Vineyard Mansion, 12685 Campo Road, Spring Valley from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.The event is to raise awareness for the local vineyards and wineries that are emerging across San Diego County.

The day will include entertainment such as local personality Diane Jean from The Brew Ha-Ha and Josh Tafoya on the baby grand.A grape stomping contest will be held as well.A charity raffle will benefit The House of Peru.